Our Perfect Day Got Cancelled… So We Turned Star of the Seas Into a Pub Crawl

We found ourselves stumbling upon a whole new side of the ship that we hadn’t noticed the day before. This area, known as Crown’s Edge, offered plenty more to explore, from an impressive rock climbing wall with multiple challenges to inviting pools and hot tubs perfect for relaxing. It was a refreshing surprise to discover so many amenities that were complimentary, making the day even more enjoyable.

As we wandered through the spaces, the balance between lively spots and quiet corners stood out. Whether it was enjoying drinks at various bars, soaking in the sun (or shade), or checking out family-friendly zones, there was something for everyone. The ship felt thoughtfully designed to keep spirits high and guests comfortable throughout the day.

Outdoor Adventures and Attractions

Edge of the Crown Exploration

We discovered the Crown’s Edge after climbing some stairs near Loco Fresh. It’s a fun spot we hadn’t noticed before, with great views and plenty of space to explore. The area is free to enter now, which makes it even better to check out without any extra fees.

Rock Climbing Thrills at Adrenaline Peak

Right next to Crown’s Edge is Adrenaline Peak, an impressive rock climbing wall with multiple routes and challenge types. They hold competitions for speed and boulder climbing, and there are options for different age groups. It’s more extensive than other climbing walls we’ve seen, offering space for many climbers at once.

Dry Slide and Nearby Pool Fun

We found one dry slide that runs between two decks. It’s not as intense as the big twisty slides on other ships but still adds some excitement. Nearby is a swim-up bar and a large pool area with hot tubs, shaded seating, and colorful spots perfect for relaxing. The setup balances sun and shade nicely, making it easy to enjoy the space all day.

Pools, Jacuzzis, and Relaxation Spots

Calm Oasis Areas

We found a great spot called Chill Island, a peaceful retreat with a clear view of Central Park. This area has plenty of seating options, including shady places to relax and soak up some sun in uncovered hot tubs. It’s a smartly designed space where you can enjoy food from nearby eateries while unwinding by the water.

Bars You Can Swim Up To and Shallow Lounging Zones

One of our favorite features is the swim-up bars, where you can grab drinks without leaving the pool. Next to these bars, there are wading pools perfect for dipping your feet while sitting comfortably in water. The bar areas offer a mix of frozen and regular drinks, providing variety right at your fingertips.

Private Daybeds and Small Cabanas

For those who want more privacy, the casitas are a great option, though they require rental fees. The daybeds near the infinity pool are highly sought after and come at a premium price. We noticed these spots give you almost exclusive access to the surrounding pool area, making it perfect for a relaxing day at sea.

Dining and Food Highlights

Snacks and Fast Bites On the Go

We found plenty of spots for quick eats when we’re in the mood to grab something casual. For example, the chicken fingers looked inviting, and the smash burger received good buzz, though we made sure to skip the mayonnaise. There are also laid-back bars with plenty of seating, perfect for a quick drink or bite without much fuss.

Featured Dining Venues

Some specialty restaurants really caught our attention. The Hideaway stands out as an 18+ retreat, complete with Jacuzzis and a relaxing vibe. Plus, spots like El Loco Fresh offer delicious options with thoughtful seating areas combining sun or shade. We appreciated how well the spaces were designed, from cozy hot tubs to plenty of comfy spots to enjoy a meal or cocktail.

Distinctive Treats and Sweet Options

When it’s time for something sweet or unique, there are fun choices to explore. We noticed both regular and frozen options at the two Lime and Coconut bars, catering to different drink preferences. There’s also the chance to try interesting drinks like the watermelon margarita—though we found it lacking in flavor—alongside classics like whiskey sours and Bahama Mamas at various bars around the ship.

Bar Crawl and Favorite Drinks

Unique Bar Atmospheres

During our exploration, we found several distinct bar areas, each with its own vibe. The 18+ Hideaway features jacuzzis and a relaxed poolside setting, perfect for some downtime. We also discovered Chill Island, which offers a peaceful view of Central Park, plus cozy spots both in the sun and shade.

Drinks Worth Ordering

We sampled a few standout cocktails along the way. The 1400 drink was a fun choice with its bubble topping, and the First Song watermelon margarita tried by us was surprisingly mild and lacked strong flavor. At the Outlook Overlook Bar, the Bahama Mamas were enjoyable, while the whiskey sour at Thorn and Thistle nailed the classic taste.

Thoughts on Our Drink Choices

We took turns picking drinks to try new flavors. While the whiskey sour impressed us with its balance, the First Song didn’t quite hit the mark for flavor. Christina played it safe with water during the bar crawl, saving energy for later, while we enjoyed branching out with tequila-based drinks despite usually not liking tequila.

Fun and Things to Do

Live Tunes and Shows

We caught some live music and performances that really added to the vibe. From upbeat piano sessions to casual bar jams, the sounds made it easy to relax or dance along. The pubs and bars offered a good mix of tunes that kept us entertained throughout the day.

Hands-On Activities

There’s plenty to do if you want more active fun. We discovered a multi-level climbing wall called Adrenaline Peak with different routes for various skill levels and ages. Plus, there are competitions like speed climbing and bouldering to challenge yourself or just enjoy watching others push their limits.

Movement and Workout Classes

We found dance and fitness classes happening around the ship. These sessions are a great way to get moving, whether you’re into dance or just want a fun workout. It’s nice to have options that help keep us active and energized during the trip.

Family and Kids’ Areas

Surfside Spots for Families

We found a great kids’ area called Surfside that feels just right for families. It includes a big pool, a shallow wading pool perfect for little ones, and some nearby hot tubs for relaxing. The layout is smart, offering sunny spots and shaded areas so everyone can stay comfortable.

Play Zones and Game Areas

One of the highlights is the rock climbing wall called Adrenaline Peak, which offers different climbing challenges for all ages. It’s more spacious and varied than others we’ve seen. For younger kids, there’s the Splash Zone with water play features, and an arcade area to keep them entertained indoors.

Dining Choices for Kids and Families

When it comes to food, there are plenty of options that work well for kids. We loved the chicken fingers, and the smash burgers get good reviews too. There are casual spots like El Loco Fresh where families can grab a tasty and quick meal without hassle.

Crowd Energy and Ambiance

We stumbled upon Crown’s Edge, a spot we missed the day before, and it instantly caught our attention. The rock climbing wall, Adrenaline Peak, offers various challenges like bouldering and speed climbing, and it feels bigger and more versatile than others we’ve seen.

The air still has a slight chill, but the sun makes it pleasant enough to enjoy being outside. The breeze can be a bit sneaky, though—it quickly cools you down if it picks up.

The public areas feel relaxed with plenty of space, especially at bars around 11 a.m. The Hideaway, an 18+ zone, has folks enjoying the Jacuzzis without a crowd yet, which adds to the calm vibe.

Pools and hot tubs are roomy and inviting. We noticed some casitas you can rent, and there’s a nice balance of sun and shade around spots like Chill Island, which overlooks Central Park.

Despite the chill, the colorful surroundings and well-designed spaces create a cheerful environment. The swim-up bar and multiple drink options keep the mood lively without feeling busy.

Music, spontaneous dance classes, and casual drinking spots add to the festive but chill atmosphere. And for those who prefer quieter moments, crochet and ocean views make for perfect downtime.

Some Handy Pointers and Parting Notes

We found that exploring areas we missed the day before can really pay off—like discovering Crown’s Edge and the multi-level rock climbing wall. It’s worth taking time to check out spots more than once.

A few tips from our day:

• The climbing wall hosts competitions with different styles and ages, making it interesting to watch if you’re not climbing.
• The chill in the air can be deceiving; the sun helps but watch out for the breeze.
• Many amenities that were supposed to cost extra are now complimentary, which is a nice surprise.
• For drinks, there’s a good mix of frozen and regular options—perfect depending on your mood.
• If you’re looking for quiet, the 18+ alcove, Hideaway, offers Jacuzzis and less crowd.
• Be cautious on steep stairs around pools; it’s easy to slip when wet.
• The non-smoking casino section is a welcome feature for us non-smokers.
• Rent a cabana or casita if you want a private spot, but keep in mind they come with extra fees.

We really liked how thoughtfully designed the public areas are, balancing sun and shade with cozy seating and vibrant bars. Trying new drinks was part of the fun, though not every cocktail hit the mark.

Overall, pacing yourself and revisiting spots with fresh eyes makes the day more enjoyable.